Analysis

Here are the elements which will help you with your analysis of the short film “Reappear” by Tommy Clarke.

The plot structure is chronological, as the film follows Frank over one day, from one morning to the other. The film also has a circular structure, as the main character returns to the same place he left from.

The short film focuses on Frank, the main character. Frank is a young man who is retracing the steps of his late father, in an attempt to recreate one of his photos. On his journey, he is helped by Christina, a young photographer.

The physical setting of the film is the coastal town of Bournemouth, where Frank initially traces his father’s footsteps. He is then led to Boscombe Pier, the exact place where his father was photographed. While some scenes take place indoors, in a café, most of the scenes are shot outdoors. 

When it comes to the cinematic techniques used in the short film, framing plays an important role. The director mainly uses close-ups and medium shots to help viewers focus on the characters’ emotions. When it comes to sound, the soft piano music helps viewers connect with the feeling of nostalgia around Frank and his mother, while the natural sounds convey the feeling of a coastal town. 

You can find a full analysis of the short film on the following pages.